Dexter Charles out for Cactus Bowl; Huskies again shuffle offensive line

TEMPE, Ariz. — Dexter Charles, a three-year starter for the Huskies at left guard, did not make the trip to Arizona and will not play in tonight’s Cactus Bowl against Oklahoma State, according to a team source.

Charles reportedly was held home because of academic issues. His absence means the Huskies will again have to shuffle their offensive line, which featured senior Mike Criste back at center for the final two games of the regular season. Senior Colin Tanigawa, UW’s starting center for the first 11 games of the season, shifted to right guard, with senior James Atoe starting at right tackle for the last four games.

Junior Siosifa Tufunga is expected to start in Charles’ place at left guard tonight. Tufunga started four consecutive Pac-12 games this season while Charles was out with an apparent foot injury.

Charles, a junior from Stanwood, was an honorable-mention all-Pac-12 selection in 2013.